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Thursday, July 4, 2013

Geek Girls Gab with Bubble and Geek

My name is Cathy, I am 26 years old, and I live with my (fellow geek) husband, 17-year-old cat, and two 3-year-old parakeets.

I opened my Etsy shop Bubble and Geek in early 2012 out of a spare bedroom-turned-workshop in my home. At first I started out with a selection of only a few video game and geek-themed candles. Since then, I have expanded my line to include other deliciously scented products, like lip balm, roll-on fragrances, and more! It has been a wild ride, and I'm excited to see what this year has in store!

The Nerdy Girlie: What is your 1st nerd memory?

Cathy: I was a math nerd as early as elementary school, so that was around 1994 or so. I also distinctly remember unpacking the box to my family's first computer and playing a sweet Muppets game on an 8" floppy disk in my early elementary school years. :)

TNG: How and why did you start crafting?

Cathy: Thanks to my grandma, there was crafting inspiration all around me growing up. My grandma was always working on a new crocheting/crafting project, and she taught me to crochet at a very early age. Although I was pretty much a crocheting dropout, I feel like the inspiration from the overall crafty environment thanks to her was enough for me to take an interest in other types of crafting on my own.

Candle making as my "craft of choice" was really on a whim. I was in middle school at the time (late 90's). One day, while I was bored visiting an antique shop with my parents, I stumbled upon a booth selling candle making supplies. It seemed like a good idea at the time, so I bought a set of the basics, and have been making candles (and other deliciously scented items) ever since!

Lip gloss, body spray, candles, body lotion & more!!

TNG: When and why did you decide to start your own Etsy shop?

Cathy: Bubble and Geek technically opened in March 2012, but the burning desire for my own Etsy shop started earlier than that. I am guessing here, but it was probably around late 2011 when I realized it was something I really wanted to give a serious go of. I have always had an interest in entrepreneurship, so for me it was really about figuring out something to sell that I was passionate about. I already had experience making candles, so that was an obvious choice, but there were already so many "standard" candle vendors on Etsy. One day (in February 2012 if I recall) it just clicked that I could put out a line of geeky themed candles, since it seemed like something that had never really been done before. It was a very natural choice, combining these two interests.

TNG: YOUR favorite Etsy shop?

Cathy: Oooh, that is a great question! I have found a lot of very clever items in some Etsy shops. It is such a fantastic community. I am going to go with Digital Soaps for her amazing line of gamer/geek themed soaps. :)

TNG: What is your favorite things to nerd out about?

Cathy: Currently Doctor Who and Game of Thrones. Previously it was The Hunger Games (books) and Walking Dead.

TNG: Any tips for San Diego Comic Con?

Cathy: Yes, send me a badge ;) I have never been, so I am not qualified to give tips on this, but I hope you have an awesome time!!

TNG: Girlie things you love?

Cathy: Lip balm/tint and painting my nails!

Thank you Cathy for answering our questions! It is so FUN to see the origin story of awesome nerdy things!! Check out Cathy's sweet treats in her Etsy store Bubble & Geek and follow her on Twitter @BubbleandGeek!